NEWS & FEATURES
A Breezy Tour of Mid-Century Delta
 Excerpt from the Nov. 22, 1963, Stockton Daily Evening Record
East Contra Costa Historical Society researcher Magdelena Northcut recently unearthed this delightful look at the Delta in November 1963, written 60 years ago this month.
The article by Stockton Daily Evening Record Central California News Editor Elizabeth Chapman highlights the then-primitive nature of the Brannan Island State Recreation Area.
"Right now the park is primitive - cleared campsites and picnic areas, boat launching ramp, chemical sanitary facilities and wide open spaces," she wrote.
"Development work is under way, and a new 45-unit campground facility for autos and boat trailer parking is planned. The State Division of Beaches and Parks, which took over the park after it was purchased by the state 10 years ago, has a $132,000 improvement program going."
National Heritage Area Takes Center Stage
 The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta National Heritage Area took center stage on Oct. 31 at "Where the Rivers Meet" - the latest installment of the California Natural Resources Agency Secretary Speaker Series.
One of six speakers, NHA Coordinator Blake Roberts highlighted the rich historic resources of the region, and the importance of investing in preserving those resources to ensure Californians can enjoy this history for years to come.
Other speakers included the Delta Watermaster, the Tribal Historic Preservation Officer for the Buena Vista Rancheria of Me-Wuk Indians, and the directors for the Delta Stewardship Council, the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy, and the California Department of Water Resources.
A recording, show notes, links and biographies are available.
Asian History of Isleton, Locke, Featured in NBC Bay Area Segments
 "A tale of two Delta towns: Uncovering Asian American history" is a pair of in-depth news segments on NBC Bay Area about the Asian-American history of the towns of Locke and Isleton.
The segments feature interviews with Alfred Ye, Clarence Chu, Lynne Hasz, Jean Yokotobi, and Peter Low.
National Filipino History Museum Looking for New Home
The Filipino American National Historical Society is seeking a new home for its Stockton-based museum, whose lease expires at the end of the year.
"Our New Building Committee is currently evaluating several locations throughout Stockton. If you know or are aware of any buildings available for rent, please contact Erwin Mina, FANHS Board President at 925-963-3068 or email at eemina@comcast.net," the Society wrote in a recent email to supporters.
"The Committee is assessing several options and would welcome any input or suggestions for our new Building," the email continued. "We will also need help to pack up to relocate to the new building before the end of December, so please contact us!"
Isleton Bridge Turns 100
 On Oct. 27, 1923, the Isleton Chamber of Commerce held a dedication ceremony to open the 624-foot, two-lane bridge serving agricultural communities in the Delta, and 100 years later, the Isleton Bridge still performs that mission.
The Isleton Bridge is a double-leafed draw bridge with steel roadway sections that draw up and away from each other to allow ships to pass. This bridge type is also referred to as bascule, from the French "balance scale," because the bridge uses counterweights to open and close the moveable sections.
State Sen. Bill Dodd and Assemblymember Lori Wilson issued a proclamation making Oct. 27, 2023, “Isleton Bridge Day.”
How Important is Delta History to Its Residents?
 Excerpt from the Delta Residents Survey Summary Report
The Delta Residents Survey (PDF) is out, and history and culture make frequent appearances in the results. Among them:
- 20% of respondents said they have a multigenerational connection to the Delta (page 28).
- 54% say the Delta is a place of cultural and historical importance, ranking below its importance as an ecosystem, agricultural region, water hub, and venue for outdoor recreation (page 30).
- 19% said they value the region's historic and cultural significance (page 35).
- 42% participate in cultural/historic events or festivals.
- 2.8% of residents participate in historical societies or arts-based organizations, ranking 10th in a list of 17 types of community involvement (page 53).
The survey was supported by the Delta Stewardship Council’s Social Science Integration Team and the Bay-Delta Social Science Community of Practice.
EXHIBITS, EVENTS, MEETINGS & CLASSES
Submit your event for inclusion in our newsletters by emailing submit@delta.ca.gov.
Meeting
Classes
Los Medanos College Lifelong Learning Lectures continue through December
The Los Medanos College's Lifelong Learning Center's fall lecture series includes lectures by local historian and Delta NHA Advisory Committee member Carol Jensen:
- "The History of Winemaking in Contra Costa County" (11/21)
- "Water Wars: Water History of California to the Delta Tunnels" (12/19).
Lectures are held in Brentwood. Enrollment at Los Medanos is not required, but you must register in advance at the Los Medanos College website.
Museum Exhibits and Events
 Port Chicago Disaster Event - Friday, Nov. 10
In honor of Veterans day, the Concord Historical Society Speaker Series will focus on the Port Chicago Disaster, as well as the future of the Thurgood Marshall Regional Park: Home of the Port Chicago 50. This free event will go from 10 to 11:10 a.m. at the Concord Historical Society's Event Center, 1928 Clayton Road, Concord.
'Saging the World' Film Screening and Discussion - Monday, Nov. 13
"Saging the World" is an award-winning documentary by Rose Ramirez, Deborah Small, and California Native Plant Society to foster understanding and inspire action for white sage. Sage smudging has become a viral trend, and metric tons of white sage (Salvia apiana) are being poached to supply an international demand. The screening and panel discussion - part of Native American Heritage Month - will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Register here.
Native Voices on Traditional Ecological Knowledge and how its Informs Advocacy - Tuesday, Nov. 14
This installment of the Secretary Speaker Series will be an important discussion with tribal leaders about how California Native American tribes and communities are using Tribal Traditional Ecological Knowledge to protect culturally significant species, traditional practices and the environment. The event - part of Native American Heritage Month - takes place online from noon to 1 p.m. Register here.
Filipino American National Historical Society Museum - Nov. 19
Ret. Maj. Gen. Tony Taguba speaks at 1 p.m. as part of the Afternoon at the Museum Speaker Series. Taguba will speak about the Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project and answer questions related to applying for the Congressional Gold Medal for WWII Pacific Theater. Join the Zoom presentation here - passcode: fanhs. For more information, email fanhsmuseum@aol.com or leave a message at (209) 932-9037.
San Joaquin County Historical Society & Museum - Dec. 1-3
The Festival of Trees is an annual tradition, a celebration featuring crafts, entertainment, food, and beautifully decorated Christmas trees. Enjoy performances by local artists, pick up a festive swag or wreath made by Docent Council members, and stroll the beautiful 18-acre grounds.
East Contra Costa Historical Society - Dec. 3
Christmas on the Farm is a day of old-fashioned Christmas activities for young and old alike, with entertainment, games, activities and food, the Lighting of the Windmill and a Christmas song to end the day. Admission is free, and participation tickets can be purchased for craft activities.
Haggin Museum through Jan. 14
Yardley's People, Places & Things features the work of Ralph O. Yardley (1878-1961), who captured the mood of his times in his illustrations and cartoons, (including the one featured above) for publications including the San Francisco Examiner, the San Francisco Chronicle, Honolulu’s Pacific Commercial Advertiser, the San Francisco Bulletin, the New York Globe, the San Francisco Call and the Stockton Record.
Western Railway Museum - every weekend through Nov. 26
Interurban Train Excursions every weekend are 50-minute excursions that will take you down the old Sacramento Northern Railroad, an electric line that once ran between San Francisco, Sacramento & Chico. The 11-mile round trip rolls through the Solano County countryside, with its pristine, unchanged farmland and its views of Mount Diablo and the surrounding marshlands. Trains are 80 to 110 years old and operated by uniformed attendants.
Locke Boarding House Museum
Locke - from Its Founding to WWII offers a glimpse into the daily lives of the early Chinese residents and merchants of Locke. On display is an extensive collection of pre-war clothing, household items, tools, musical instruments, traditional Chinese medicines, informational placards and more. Artifacts are augmented with detailed signage and some are interactive.
Filipino American National Historical Society Museum - Alaskeros
The Alaskeros Exhibit at the Filipino American National Historical Society Museum in Stockton runs through Dec. 31. This exhibit was made possible by an endowment from Ray Paular. If you or someone in your family has experience being an "Alaskero," the museum invites you to share your story - email fanhsmuseum@aol.com.
Uprooted: an American Story, Bridging the Past and the Present - Ongoing
The California Museum's revised signature exhibit remains open. This fully rebuilt, technology-enhanced exhibit focuses on the mass incarceration of Japanese-Americans during WWII and explores how they responded to their forced removal and incarceration. It also highlights Japanese-Americans’ ongoing efforts to ensure no other groups experience similar civil rights violations. Learn more on the California Museum website.
GRANT OPPORTUNITIES
 Save America's Treasures Grant Program
The National Park Service's Save America's Treasures grant Program is accepting applications for Fiscal Year 2023. The deadline is Dec. 19.
The program provides preservation and conservation assistance to nationally significant historic sites and collections. This year, $26.5 million will be competitively awarded. A dollar-for-dollar, non-Federal, cash or in-kind services match is required.
To apply for funding for preservation projects go to opportunity number P23AS00499. To apply for funding for collections projects go to opportunity number is P23AS00500. For more information, go to the Save America's Treasures Grants website.
Resource for National Park Service Grants en Español
In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, which was Sept. 15 -Oct. 15, the State, Tribal, Local, Plans and Grants division of the National Park Service announced an addition to its website: En Español - Historic Preservation Fund.
En Español provides resources in Spanish for those considering application to one of the eight competitive grant programs managed by State, Tribal, Local, Plans and Grants division. All funding for competitive grants come from the Historic Preservation Fund.
For additional application assistance, email STLPG@nps.gov.
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